The history of museums - J. V. Maranto
576,212 Views
12,798 Questions Answered
TEDEd Animation
Let’s Begin…
Museums have been a part of human history for over 2,000 years -- but they weren't always like the ones we visit today. J.V. Maranto uncovers the evolution of museums, from the first museum in 530 BC (curated by a princess) to PT Barnum’s freak shows and beyond.
Additional Resources for you to Explore
Interested in finding out more about the history and evolution of museums? Visit NPR’s: Memory of Mankind link and learn about the role of museums in both education and preserving the past.
Today, many museum professionals look at the evolution of museums and predict how museums can change to better suit the needs of learners in the future. As information becomes more accessible to the public, museums have had to ask themselves “What is the role of the 21st century museum?” Many museums have altered significantly since their nascence by becoming more socially conscious and aiming to become a part of the community around them. Other museums have transformed their exhibits to be more interactive to engage viewers from all walks of life. How will art museums and science museums change. Read: An Art Lab for the 21st
Century and Science Friday’s Rebooting Science Museums for the 21st Century, you might find the answers you are looking for.
Today’s museums have digital collections in addition to their physical spaces to go beyond the confines of the exhibits and installations, as well as provide interactive experiences for visitors who cannot physically come to the museum. Visit the MoMA Multimedia site and interact with some of the collection. Check out some online digital collections from the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Chicago History Museum, The Smithsonian, The Louvre, and the Museum of Modern Art. Our relationship with technology is drastically changing the topography of the museum world to enhance visitors’ experiences. Read this article about the Smithsonian and how it is digitizing collections and crowdsourcing its research.
What will museums of the future look like, how will the museum experience change? Look through the article: ”Museums and Society 2034” and find out the prediction.
For more lessons on museums from TED-Ed watch:
The hidden worlds within natural history museums: Joshua Drew
A brief history of religion in art: Jeremiah Dickey
Building a museum of museums on the web: Amit Sood
Then, watch these TED Talks on museums:
Museums of the Future: Sebastian Chan
Weaving narratives in museum galleries: Thomas P. Campbell
Today, many museum professionals look at the evolution of museums and predict how museums can change to better suit the needs of learners in the future. As information becomes more accessible to the public, museums have had to ask themselves “What is the role of the 21st century museum?” Many museums have altered significantly since their nascence by becoming more socially conscious and aiming to become a part of the community around them. Other museums have transformed their exhibits to be more interactive to engage viewers from all walks of life. How will art museums and science museums change. Read: An Art Lab for the 21st
Century and Science Friday’s Rebooting Science Museums for the 21st Century, you might find the answers you are looking for.
Today’s museums have digital collections in addition to their physical spaces to go beyond the confines of the exhibits and installations, as well as provide interactive experiences for visitors who cannot physically come to the museum. Visit the MoMA Multimedia site and interact with some of the collection. Check out some online digital collections from the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Chicago History Museum, The Smithsonian, The Louvre, and the Museum of Modern Art. Our relationship with technology is drastically changing the topography of the museum world to enhance visitors’ experiences. Read this article about the Smithsonian and how it is digitizing collections and crowdsourcing its research.
What will museums of the future look like, how will the museum experience change? Look through the article: ”Museums and Society 2034” and find out the prediction.
For more lessons on museums from TED-Ed watch:
The hidden worlds within natural history museums: Joshua Drew
A brief history of religion in art: Jeremiah Dickey
Building a museum of museums on the web: Amit Sood
Then, watch these TED Talks on museums:
Museums of the Future: Sebastian Chan
Weaving narratives in museum galleries: Thomas P. Campbell
About TED-Ed Animations
TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »
Meet The Creators
- Educator J. V. Maranto
- Script Editor Addison Anderson
- Director Michael Kalopaidis
- Producer Zedem Media
- Artist Dinos Hadjidemetri
- Animator Maria Savva
- Sound Designer Manolis Manoli
- Narrator Addison Anderson
